Weekend in Review: Judge's red-light camera gig; AMAs

Justin Bieber is smothered in kisses by presenter Jenny McCarthy as he accepts the award for favorite album - pop/rock for "Believe" at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards Sunday night in Los Angeles.Associated Press/Invision

Oak Brook physician stable after stabbing at Chicago hotel

An Oak Brook physician was expected to make a full recovery after a nearly fatal stabbing in a downtown Chicago hotel on Saturday night. Dr. Mir Shah, 67, was attacked about 8 p.m. in the bathroom of the Westin Hotel on Michigan Avenue. "His wounds were very serious ... but miraculously missing the critical arteries and areas. we're very lucky," a family spokesman said. Full story.

Lake County judge gets new career hearing red-light camera cases

Henry "Skip" Tonigan III presided over high-profile murder trials and major lawsuits until his retirement as a Lake County judge in 2007. Since then, he's developed a business as an adjudication hearing officer handing less-serious red-light camera and ordinance violation cases while receiving a six-figure pension. "I really enjoy administering justice on something a lot more low profile than what I have done in the past," he said. Full story.

Lake Zurich immigrant, 93, puts off hospital visit to vote

A Romanian immigrant, Steve Auer of Lake Zurich takes his civic duty very seriously. The 93-year-old reads three newspapers a day and put off a hospital trip last week until after he voted. "It's your duty," said Auer, who first voted in 1948 after arriving in this country during the Depression and working six days a week for $4. Full story.

Des Plaines school leader named state's Superintendent of the Year

Jane Westerhold, superintendent of Des Plaines School District 62, has been selected the 2013 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. "I am extremely honored and humbled to be recognized by my peers, and although I am extremely proud of District 62's accomplishments over the past eight years, I certainly cannot take the credit in isolation," Westerhold said. Full story.

Gurnee church packs shoe boxes with gifts for kids in need

Lake County families joined in a worldwide effort to bring Christmas cheer to children in need as they packed shoe boxes full of gifts Saturday at Immanuel Church in Gurnee. Visions of children in orphanages, hospitals or disaster areas fueled volunteers. "You have to see the vision of a child not getting a present," said volunteer Yolanda Mackey of Round Lake Beach. Full story.

Bogusz wants to be Des Plaines' mayor

You can count Des Plaines Alderman Matt Bogusz among the city's growing number of mayoral hopefuls. Bogusz, who represents the 3rd Ward, announced his candidacy Saturday at the Choo Choo Restaurant. "We have made significant progress over the past four years and we will not go back," said the 26-year-old Bogusz. Full story.

Arlington Hts. resident lived history

Per Ohrstrom's diverse life as a proud Norwegian American, businessman, music lover and rower is being celebrated by his family. "He was always a man of his word -- his handshake was better than a contract," son Lars Ohrstrom said of the Arlington Heights resident who died this month at 86. Full story.

Search continues for Streamwood woman

Streamwood police continue to search for a 20-year-old woman who went missing Monday. Rachel Morris was last seen about 8 p.m. Monday on the 700 block of South Bartlett Road near Shady Oaks Park in Streamwood. She wearing a black winter hat, black jacket with a hood and unknown type pants. Full story.

West Chicago fire victims return home

Like his neighbors in West Chicago's Timber Lake Apartments complex, Jose Rodriguez escaped a fast-moving fire Nov. 4 with his life and little else. Shellshocked residents recalled fleeing in bare feet, leaving cherished and essential belongings behind to the flames. But on Saturday, Rodriguez and others fire survivors received not only the gift of new furniture and mattresses but, more importantly, a return to normalcy and a renewed hope. Full story.

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the X in the upper right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.